Bro. Max Piercefield, Elder
Bro. Max's parents were introduced to the church when he was a very young boy. As a teenager, he asked for baptism. Since that time he has studied and preached the Word and led his fellow brethren in understanding God's freely given grace. He hopes the church will continue to grow in understanding and love for each other, and that they will strive to "Be there!"
His favorite Bible verse is John 14:1-3 (KJV)
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Bro. Jim Ellis, Elder
Bro. Jim has been attending the Church of the Firstborn since he was a young boy in Oklahoma. As a teenager, he was baptized in December 1966. He loves to study God’s Word and to lead praise music to the Lord. His desire is that our knowledge of Christ will increase, as well as our church family.
Psalm 103:4-5 (KJV)
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Bro. Terry Brosman, Elder
Bro. Terry began attending church as a teenager and made Jesus the Lord of his life. In 1971, he began attending the Martinsville church. A few years ago he was ordained as an elder where he has continued to grow in his ministry to encourage the brethren. His passion is for the word of God and for sharing the gospel.
His favorite scripture verse is:
Isaiah 1:18 (NLT)
18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
Bro. Grant Griffith, Deacon
Bro. Grant is a life-long member, and was baptized April 8, 1966. As a Deacon, his planning and organizational skills aid his desire to serve his Brethren. His sunny disposition is an inspiration and encouragement to others.
His favorite Bible verses are:
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
31 But those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles; They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5-6(NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths.
Bro. Larry Martin, Deacon
Bro Larry has been a life-long member of The Church of the Firstborn, as were his parents and grandparents. He and Sis Peggy were both baptized on Palm Sunday, on April 3, 1966. Bro. Larry has always been a caretaker for his church family, in a behind-the-scenes fashion. He was ordained a Deacon on April 21, 1990. Throughout the years he’s also been involved in Bible studies, Men’s Group, workdays, and during the remodel expansion of the church.
His two favorite scriptures are:
Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Bro. Phil Spurlock, Deacon
Bro. Phil began assembling with the 252 Church when he was 27. Through the years, his care and concern for his church family grew and became evident, leading the leadership of the church to ask him to become a Deacon; he was anointed in December 2007. He hopes the church continues to grow and meet the needs of Brethren and be an outreach to others.
His favorite Bible verses are:
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven, and these things will be added.
XXXX Bro. Jeff Coffman, Deacon
Bro. Leon Piercefield, Deacon (Emeritus)
Bro. Leon has many fond memories of church and one of the earliest occurred when he was a young boy during an evening meeting. In a not uncommon event, he fell asleep, and then later woke when someone sat down and lifted his head onto their lap. He looked up, thinking to see his dad, and was surprised to see Bro. Claude Dillon. As a young man, Bro. Leon was baptized on July 25, 1965, and Sis. Carol was baptised in April 1974. Long before he was ordained as a Deacon (and since then), Bro. Leon quietly assumed what he loved as a caretaker of the physical needs of the church building. A little painting here, plumbing there, designing and creating the Cross and front wall at the front of the sanctuary, and a multitude of tasks needing hammer, nails, and a ladder. His hope for our church is that we continue to grow and thrive.
His favorite Scripture passage is Matthew 6:9-13, “The Lord’s Prayer” (KJV)